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Algebra Magic - Create Your Own Number Puzzles

Many people think of algebra as dealing with solving equations that have
letters and numbers, and that it is completely unrelated to anything outside
the math classroom. Also, teachers have a difficult time motivating students
to learn algebra. I have found that not only are number/magic puzzles quite
common outside the classroom, but also that they motivate students, and
that teachers can successfully use such number puzzles as an interesting
lead-in to algebra. Here I discuss two number/magic puzzles that can be
demystified and explained by using algebra.